Considering why you are investing and when you will need the money is crucial before deciding to sell stocks during a volatile market, as pointed out by Spencer Platt's image caption.

In response to a reader's question about their declining retirement account and stock portfolio, the advice given is to first understand the purpose behind their investments and the timeline for accessing the funds. For long-term goals like retirement, it is important to maintain a portion of investments in stocks to combat inflation over time, despite facing occasional market downturns. Safer options like U.S. Treasuries or savings accounts might shield from market volatility but may not yield sufficient growth to meet retirement targets.

Selling off stocks during market fluctuations can solidify losses and prevent capital growth during market recoveries. Additionally, tax implications should be considered, especially concerning non-retirement account stock sales. It is advised to secure funds needed within the next five years in more stable investments to safeguard against market risks.

A retired special education teacher seeking to claim Social Security benefits after a recent law change should weigh their options. They can either aim to obtain the required credits for individual benefits or opt for spousal benefits if their partner's Social Security benefit is more substantial. This change came after the repeal of regulations that decreased benefits for individuals receiving non-Social Security pensions.